McNamara happy to win ugly

31 March 2013 05:13

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Dundee United manager Jackie McNamara admits he does not mind how his side get the three points at St Johnstone.
The Tangerines are facing crunch time as they chase a top-six slot with games against Saints tomorrow night at McDiarmid Park before hosting Aberdeen at Tannadice this weekend.
McNamara knows the importance of securing a top-half finish for the Scottish Cup semi-finalists so will not mind if they win ugly on this occasion.
McNamara said: "We always try to play good football.
"But when it gets down to this stage of the season it can be more about the result than the performance at the end of the day.
"I know the players can dig deep to win even if they're not at their best.
"That's a side of their game they've shown since I came in so they may have to do that again.
"St Johnstone are a big, strong side so we will obviously have to match them in that respect.
"It's going to be a very hard game but we'll be ready for it and hopefully come away with a positive result."
United's last outing ended in a 1-1 draw with city rivals Dundee before the international weekend.
And McNamara reckons they've benefited from the free weekend and are raring to go again in their pursuit of a top-six slot.
He added: "The lads are buzzing to get going again.
"We worked hard when we were in last week and then had a little bit of time off.
"The players have come back fresh and are really looking forward to this match with St Johnstone.
"It's a big one and we're under no illusions about that.
"We will be looking to win both games before the split so we know what we have to try and do in that regard.
"I think the players are capable of that as they've shown on their day.
"There are no easy games in the SPL but hopefully this one can being out the best in us on Monday night."
United will give winger Gary Mackay-Steven every chance of making it as he battles to shrug off a hamstring injury.
John Rankin is suspended though and striker John Russell is still missing through his knee injury.